After months of preparation and pre-conference hearings, witness testimony for the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case began Thursday in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Testimony got off to a slow, bumpy start Thursday in what is expected to be a weeks-long contested case hearing in Hilo that could determine the fate of plans to build the most powerful telescope in the world at the summit of Mauna Kea.Star-Advertiser.

The first day of the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing has concluded, and the proceeding is still on its very first witness. Big Island Video News.

A $1.4 billion project to build one of the world's largest telescopes is up against intense protests by Native Hawaiians and others who say building it on the Big Island's Mauna Kea mountain will desecrate sacred land. Associated Press.

Federal officials cannot enforce a contract being proposed by the commercial fishing industry as a solution to concerns about foreign fishing crews in Hawaii, leaving the industry responsible for enforcing its own rules. Federal and state officials met with vessel owners, captains and representatives from the fleet Thursday at a pier in Honolulu. Associated Press.

The first Hawaii Medical Marijuana Training and Certification conference was held Thursday at the Modern Honolulu hotel. Star-Advertiser.

Job seekers and business owners hoping to learn more about the budding medical marijuana industry attended a certification training conference today at the Modern Hotel in Waikiki. KITV.

Hawaii's eight medical marijuana dispensaries have yet to open because of state delays in setting up a tracking system. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Some key state and city leaders are voicing support for another tax extension to help fix rail’s latest financial problems, even though the project’s board chairwoman said earlier this year that state lawmakers likely would reject such a move. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly three-fourths of Oahu voters surveyed for The Civil Beat Poll say the Honolulu Police Commission should be given greater authority to suspend or dismiss the chief of police and to investigate police misconduct.

The state Campaign Spending Commission is taking a close look at an anti-rail political action committee that's planning to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars criticizing Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell.Hawaii News Now.

A state judge this week dismissed drunken driving and hit-and-run charges against Honolulu police officer Brent Sylvester because the prosecutor had been unable to present certain key witnesses to testify against Sylvester in court. Star-Advertiser.

A vital piece of equipment, purchased for a growing Leeward community, isn’t being used there and firefighters want to know why. KHON2.

Twice as many electrical light poles — 13 — were vandalized to tap into the electrical system at Kakaako Waterfront Park than previously estimated, leading to the ongoing, indefinite daily closure of the park at 6 p.m., according to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Oahu’s Inmates Are Facing Some Seriously ‘Inhumane’ Conditions. The feds stepped in once before. Hawaii needs a mix of expanded facilities and a decrease in prisoners to avoid losing control again. Civil Beat.

Of the four primary industrial markets on Oahu, all except Windward Oahu posted a rise in vacancy rates. Pacific Business News.

A longtime Moiliili business landmark is about to meet the wrecking ball, and stores and restaurants are preparing to leave. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

For more than 20 years, residents, judges and attorneys have been calling for a new Kona courthouse. On Monday, the groundbreaking for the $90 million Kona Judiciary Complex will begin at 2:30 p.m. to celebrate seeing that wish turn into reality. West Hawaii Today.

The owner of Hawaii Nui Brewing on the Big Island is looking to sell his business, he confirmed to Pacific Business News.

Commentary: The trial of Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi could be a symbol of many things. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui County Council candidates were critical of Mayor Alan Arakawa’s decision to suspend the community planning process, and said there were other ways to find solutions instead of halting it altogether. Maui News.

Pacific Whale Foundation spotted their first whale of the season today, Oct. 20, 2016, off the coast of Lahaina in West Maui. Maui Now.

Vehicular access to Kanaha Beach Park will be blocked by two locked gates beginning Nov. 1 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., but a permitting process is in the works that would allow fishermen and divers access after hours, county officials said Wednesday. Maui News.Kauai

County officials want Kauai residents to be able to go to every part of the island. Garden Island.

Sandra Combs is the Republican candidate to represent District 14, which covers Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa and Wailua Houselots. Her platform includes improving traffic congestion, fighting the drug epidemic on Kauai and improving the quality of veteran services. Garden Island.

About Me

Nancy Cook Lauer, the curator/publisher of All Hawaii News, is an
award-winning 25-year journalist who earned her reporting chops covering the Bush v. Gore 2001 presidential election in Florida.
Lauer moved to Hawaii in 2005, and has been actively involved in government and political news coverage since. She's vice president of the Hawaii SPJ chapter and
holds a master's degree in library and information science from Florida
State University.

I disclose

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